Tab Labels That Survive Decades

Adhesive index flags fail within a year when a book travels between home and a bank box. For portfolio volumes, we prefer woven cloth tabs set into the sewing guard—each tab extends 8 mm beyond the text block edge.

Positioning

Tabs should stagger vertically so you can grip one without fanning the whole block. We limit visible tabs to six per edge; beyond that, secondary indices on the lower edge or a thumb index cut are clearer.

Labeling

Embroidered abbreviations (EQ, FX, PR) outlast printed labels. Blind embossing on the tab itself is discreet—no text visible when the book is closed on a shelf.

Repair

If a tab loosens, stop using it as a lever. Send the book for re-tipping before the guard tears. Early repair costs less than re-sewing an entire section.

Order refill sections with the same tab code stamped in our studio log so labels stay consistent across inserts.